History of Columbiana County, Ohio and representative citizens, Part 25

Author: McCord, William B., b. 1844
Publication date: 1905
Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : Biographical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 912

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Salem also had a substantial fire-clay and tile works at an early date. R. S. and J. Baird established a plant on Depot street at which tile and building blocks were made in 1862, and, on the death of R. S. Baird, the factory was sold in 1865 to Clemmer & Deming. In 1874 it was purchased by Purdy & Baird, who continued to make stoneware, drain tile and specialties, the firm becoming Purdy, Baird & Company, in 1883. Tile and building blocks were the product in later years. The concern went out of business in 1898.

State statistics do not classify the fire-clay, terra-cotta and brick industries so as to make the figures on the total production in the county available. The output of the Columbiana Coun- ty factories has steadily increased, however, since the absorption of the principal plants by the "sewer-pipe combine" in 1899, notwith- standing the abandonment of one or two of the plants purchased. In 1903, according to the State mining statistics, Columbiana County was fifth in the State in the amount of fire-clay mined, Jefferson leading the list of Ohio coun- ties, with Stark second, Tuscarawas third and Summit fourth. Columbiana County mined 171.395 tons of fire-clay in 1902, and 121,911 tons in 1903. Seven companies were engaged in mining the clay. The number of companies engaged in the manufacture, large and small, was reported at more than a score.

CHAPTER XIII.

THE CENTENNIAL PERIOD.

Lisbon's the First Centennial Celebration-Outlook at the Opening of the New Century- Population and Other Statistics-Production of Grain, Fruits, Live Stock, Etc., in the County.

In March, 1903, Columbiana County, as such was 100 years old. There was no cele- bration by the county, except that the county's centennial was somewhat featured in the New Lisbon centennial, which was celebrated in June of the same year. And so the centennial era of the county having arrived, as the first town in the county to celebrate its 100 years of exist- ence, the lot fell appropriately to Lisbon, the county seat. This auspicious event occurred in June, 1903. Salem is arranging for a like cele- bration in the month of roses, 1906. Then, more remotely, Wellsville, East Liverpool, and other towns of the county will round out each its first century with an appropriate observance.

THE LISBON CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.

The Buckeye State of June 25, 1903, pub- lished a very graphic report of the Lisbon cen- tennial celebration, the aim of which event was not only to perpetuate recollections connected with the founding of the city, but of the county as well-an object in which the people of other portions of the county united heartily. That which follows on the subject is taken largely from the Buckeye State's very excellent report :

Could Louis Kinney, the founder of Lis- bon, and the host of noted men who followed him and took an active part in the building of the old town, and who have since gone to man- sions above not made with hands, been privil- ·eged to look down on the celebration of its hun-

dredth anniversary, they must have felt a tinge of pride and satisfaction that they had some- thing to do in its building.

Certainly the present citizens and the hun- dreds of former residents who flocked to the scenes of their youth swelled with pride, and Wednesday and Thursday it was greater honor to have it said of one that he was born or spent some portion of his life in Lisbon than it would have been that he had taken a city or climbed to the highest pinacle of national fame. Even Marcus A. Hanna, the distinguished statesman and the pride of eighty millions of free Ameri- can citizens, must for the moment have lost sight of his greatness and allowed his memory to revert to the time when played "commies" near the old Market House or hunted the elu- sive mud-sucker in the old mill-race.

It is rarely the fortune of any man to be privileged to celebrate more than once the cen- tennial anniversary of his birthplace, and the many visitors to Lisbon last week was evidence that they appreciated this fact and were deter- mined not to let the opportunity of a lifetime pass them by. It seemed as if nearly every family that ever had the privilege of calling Lisbon their home had a representative at the centennial. They were here by the hundreds and after one had reached the conclusion that he had seen them all, others whose faces had passed from his memory would come into view like endless pictures in a panorama.

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In 100 years Lisbon has given hundreds of her best citizens to the country at large, and no State or territory in all this broad land but what has felt their influence. Many have become celebrated and achieved success beyond the rosiest dreams of their youth, and while Lisbon cannot boast of material growth it has the satis- faction of knowing that it gave of its best blood and brain to the growth of many of the cities of the land and many who have played no small part in every phase of life which called for patriotism and bravery. And none of them from the greatest to the humblest could forget the pleasant memories that cling to them of the old town and county. The pressing cares of life may for the time have crowded out the old memories, but once their faces were turned to- ward the old home these came surging back, and as they frequented again the old familiar scenes and mingled with the companions of their youth, every incident and event, of no matter how long ago or how trivial in its nature, was brought vividly to mind. We dwell particular- ly upon this part of the centennial, because the reunion of the citizens of the county was the celebration, the other' attractions being merely incidental to it.

On Monday, June 22, 1903, the carnival and "midway" people pitched their tents, and professional decorators had covered the town with artistic designs in variegated colors. Mon- day night the Public Square, with its many tents and crowds of people, presented much the appearance of the World's Fair in miniature. Tuesday night the celebration proper started with a grand concert in the Opera House. Seventy local people and the Grand Army band and orchestra of Canton rendered a musical program or rare excellence and of a character probably never before heard within the borders of the old Beaver valley. On Tuesday every- thing presaged an immense crowd on the mor- row ; but when morning dawned there was evi- dence of stormy weather, and although the clouds cleared away and a lovely day followed, the' threatening weather no doubt kept many away. While the crowd did not come up to the 'expectations, there were fully 10,000 people in the 'city in the afternoon. Up to the big tent

meeting at 2 P. M., the exercises and amuse- ments consisted of music by the Grand Army band and free exhibitions in slack-wire walking and bicycle riding, and the meeting of the Col- umbiana County Pioneer and Historical So- ciety.

The Pioneer assembly was presided over by Alexander Wells, of Wellsville, who was about 95 years old at the time. New Waterford was selected as the place of the next meeting, and the following officers were elected : President, Joseph W. Cope, New Waterford; vice-presi- dent, Peter Y. Brown, Negley; secretary, Eli- phas Cope, Rogers; treasurer, H. A. Halver- stadt, Leetonia ; necrologist, Mrs. J. B. Park, Salem.

Brief talks were made by the president, Alexander Wells, Abraham Zimmerman, the father of John L. Zimmerman, Judge W. G. Wells, Dr. William Moore and John Hawkins, of Lisbon, George D. Hunt, of Salem, and S. B. McMillan, of Signal.

The afternoon meeting was presided, over by Col. S. J. Firestone, president of the centen- nial board, who made the address of welcome. Rev. J. P. Anderson led in prayer. , A chorus of High School pupils sang, and Mrs. Minnie Fink Duck, instructor of music in the Lisbon schools, sang a solo. Hon. John H. Clarke, of Cleveland, was the chief speaker, his subject being "The Bench and Bar of Columbiana County."

The speaker was born and raised in Lisbon and personally known to many in his audience. He gave a fine address which sustained his rep- utation as one of the most eloquent and scholar- ly men in the country, and his splendid appear- ance and magnetic manner won the hearts of his audience. Among the many distinguished lawyers who have practiced at the Lisbon bar, and whom Mr. Clarke so happily mentioned, none has made a more brilliant record than Mr. Clarke, and there was not one in the vast audi- ence who knew him in his youth but was proud of "Johnny" Clarke on Wednesday afternoon and felt honored by his presence.

Maj. W. W. Armstrong, of Cleveland, a former editor of the Cleveland Plain Dealer. and an old citizen of Lisbon, followed Mr.

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Clarke. Mr. Armstrong has reached the age where his voice has lost much of its force but he gave a brief but interesting address. Dur- ing the progress of the exercises Senator Hanna had come into the tent and his entrance was greeted by rounds of applause. At the conclu- sion of Major Armstrong's address, Senator . Hanna and General McCook were called upon for speeches, but bowed their acknowledge- ments of the honor with the information that they were on the program for Wednesday.

The grand ball was held in the tent in the evening and was attended by about 300 couples. The Grand Army band furnished the music and Mr. and Mrs. L. H. Miller led the grand march and opened the ball. There were hun- dreds of spectators and the scene presented was on a scale of grandeur unequalled in the social history of the city.

But it was left for Thursday to mark the celebration as the equal of any similar demon- stration in the history of the State outside the largest cities. A big crowd had been looked for and this time the expectations of the most sanguine were realized. It threatened rain in the early morning, but as on the previous day the elements were good and ideal weather fol- lowed. The avenues leading into the city were lined with vehicles at an early hour, always an indication to the Lisbon citizen that the crowd will be here. At 10 o'clock a special train of 13 coaches came in over the Erie, bringing peo- ple from points along the line as far up as Cleveland and Youngstown, Salem adding its quota of 600 people. When the train stopped at the depot, the crowd spread out over the commons there like a huge wave and almost in the twinkling of an eye the scene was trans- formed from a few hundred waiting people to a seething mass of humanity. When this dele- gation got up town and joined the immense throng already gathered there the scene on Fifth avenue, New York, in the busiest hour of the day, is hardly a comparison.

Thursday was the day given over to the Grand Army, and right royally did they dis- tinguish it. The parade formed on Beaver street before the noon hour and marched through the principal streets. About 1,500 men

were in line, and it was one of the most impos- ing spectacles of the kind ever witnessed in the county. The parade was headed by Capt. Will- iam M. Hostetter, chief marshal, and his staff, Dr. W. C. Nevin and Clarence Brinker. Fol- lowing were carriages containing the guests of honor, Senator M. A. Hanna and Gen. An- son McCook, Hon. R. W. Tayler, Col. S. J. Firestone and disabled veterans. Then came Department Commander A. C. Yengling and his staff, mounted, and the Grand Army band of Canton. The posts in line were Trescott Post, of Salem, 150 men ; General Lyon Post, of East Liverpool, 56 men; Henry Cope Post, of Wellsville, 90 men; Sergeant Thompson Post, of Salineville, 65 men ; C. F. Chamber- lin Post, of East Palestine, 40 men; the Lis- bon Pottery band; L. M. Tulles Post, of Rog- ers, 100 men ; Dennison Post, of Hanoverton, 45 men; James A. Garfield Post, of Colum- men ; John Bartges Post, of North Georgetown, 50 men ; and Starr Post, of Lisbon, 150 men.

The second division of the parade was made up of the Sons of Veterans from East Liver- pool, Salem, East Palestine and Lisbon, headed by the Lisbon Boys' band and led by Colonel J. J. Rose and his staff. The Lisbon Sons of Veterans were mounted and in uniform and presented a fine appearance. They were in charge of Capt. A. W. H. Martin.

The parade was reviewed at the Public Square by Senator Hanna. Dinner was served to the veterans at the big tent by the Woman's Relief Corps and fully 1,500 people were fed.

Shortly after two o'clock Senator Hanna and party entered the hall and the Senator was given a hearty greeting, which he grace- fully acknowledged.

Col. S. J. Firestone called the assembly to order, when Rev. Frank Richards, of Zanes- ville, a former Lisbon resident, invoked the Divine blessing. Ex-Congressman Tayler made brief remarks in his unusal graceful style, winning the applause of the audience by his witty and salient thrusts at John H. Clarke, the speaker of the previous day, and his refer- ence to the ability and bravery of the disting- uished guests -- Senator Hanna and General McCook -- when they first won golden laurels

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as respective leaders of the "Frog Ponders" and "Sheep Hillers," foes on many a sanguin- ary battle-field in the days of Lisbon's earlier history.

Colonel Firestone then introduced Senator Hanna. No attempt will be made to describe the Senator's appearance other than to say he looks like his picture. While his looks do not belie his record of being a firm man, every line and feature indicating his great strength of character and accounting for his remark- able career during the last few years, he has nothing of the fierceness which the papers credit him with having. A mild and placid counten- ance, a head that shows mental strength, a well- modulate voice of pleasing intonation, and an ease of manner acquired only by contact with the world, are his distinguishing features and mark him as the embodiment of the gentleman of the new school. His school- mates say of him that as a boy he was much the same as other boys, neither better nor worse, and then gave no special promise of reaching his present high position. But it is altogether probable that there was latent within him the power which opportunity de- veloped and which placed him on a plane reached by few in this age of brilliant genius and massive intellect. He was given a hearty greeting by thé audience which contained many of the friends of his youth and the friends of the Hanna family. His address was of a rem- iniscent character in which he referred to many of the incidents connected with his boyhood days. It was a fine address characteristic of the man, and the relations existing between the speaker and his audience lent an additional charm to it.

Senator Hanna was followed by General McCook, born and reared in Lisbon, and a member of the famous family of the "Fighting McCooks." General McCook has been three times elected to Congress from New York, has served as secretary of the United States senate and held other important positions in the serv- ice of his country. General McCook in his ad- dress made his remarks a reflection of the times in which he lived in Lisbon and refer- red to many of the families of that period. Some

members of them were in the audience and his address, of interest to everybody, must have been especially interesting to them. He paid David Anderson, one of whose pupils he was, a fine tribute, and also mentioned many of the companions of his youth who had gone out into the world and carved for themselyes a name and fame in the nation. He evidently had a vivid recollection of the times and told them in a manner that was at once interesting and amusing. General McCook, besides hav- ing gained great military honors, seems to have not negelected the civil amenities, and his ad- dress proved him to be a master of thought and language as well as of men. His address was one of the most interesting of the time.

The audience which listened attentively to the distinguished speakers is said to have numbered 8,000 which included all that could possibly crowd under the canvas and several hundred who lined up outside within reach of the speakers' voices. As this vast audience made no perceptible diminution of the crowd which blocked the main streets of the city, it forms a fair basis for an estimate of Thurs- day's crowd, which could have not been much short of 30,000.

A repetition of the musical concert in the big tent Thursday evening, which a heavy shower of rain interfered with, closed the first centennial cerebration of the historic town of old Lisbon, which will go down in history as the biggest and best event that to that date had ever taken place within her gates.

Visitors to the centennial celebration who did not visit "Curio" hall missed one of the best features. The members of the committee who had it in charge deserve the praise of the citizens of the county for the excellent manner in which they performed their duties. The display of relics attracted thousands of visitors. This old county of Columbiana has been the scene of many events, both in primeval and modern times. Here the early settlers who were of the best stock the world has produced hewed out for themselves homes and provided themselves and families with the necessaries of life. There were no department stores in those early days, so as they developed and found the

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want of some special article they manufactured it. Some of these implements were of rude construction, but often showed mechanical in- genuity that would do credit to this age of mas- ter workmen, and in some instances they sur- passed the modern artisan.

In "Curio" hall were displayed many speci- mens of the implements used in those early days. There were collections there of Indian relics and specimens of almost everything con- nected with pioneer days. The visitor might spend hours in this hall and still find objects of great interest which he had overlooked. We would like to give a complete list of everything the hall contained but that would require vol- umes. We have, however, niade up a list of some of the relics which follows :

Private collections of Frank M. Benner, Herman Smiley and W. F. Kemble, members of the committee, formed a large part of the ex- hibit at "Curio" hall.

Mr. Benner's collection included a fine lot of Indian relics and other curios, among which were figures of carved stone representing hu- man heads, found in Elkrun township and sup- posed to be the work of the Mound Builders ; a Bible printed in 1680, four pages of which are hand printed with a quill pen; the mas- todon bones found here a few years ago when workmen were digging for the foundations for the Wellsville bridge, and a number of antique watches and pieces of jewelry.

Mr. Smiley's collection-Volume of "Eu- clid's Elements of Geometry," printed in 1661, and a number of other rare old books, includ- ing a treatise on surveying published in Phila- delphia in 1797, which was owned by William Heald, who was the first surveyor of Colum- biana County, holding that office 25 years ; Indian collection, including rare Indian battle- axe or war club, and a collection of rare old china. Other relics and specimens included the following: By W. F. Kemble-money rel- ics, consisting of coins and scrip; collection of china and miscellaneous articles, and a large assortment of guns, pistols, swords, etc., in- cluding nearly all the styles of weapons used since the invention of gunpowder. George McKee-cooking utensils, spinning-wheels,

pewter ware, pack-saddles. August Volker- lot of pewter relics, including lamps, and bap- tismal bowl, very old. Sarah Coulson-Bible and hatter's iron which had belonged to Sam- uel Holland, who came to New Lisbon in 1802. Almira Thomas-sample piece of fancy work. made in 1792, pair of brass lamps for lard oil. Mary Straughn-canteen carried by soldier in War of 1812. Mrs. Peter Harbaugh-old documents relating to canal and early banking of the town. William M. Hostetter-spur worn by John Morgan at the time of his cap- ture near New Lisbon. Josiah Bennett- Con- necticut spinning-wheel equipped with two spindles. Mrs. R. B. Pritchard-old style bonnets. Mrs. John Daily-doll 100 years old. A. J. Sipe-violin made in 1615. Mrs. T. B. Marquis-old bonnets. Herman Menhert- IO-plate stove made at Rebecca furnace on the. Mckinley farm. W. S. Potts-old copies of the Ohio Patriot, established in 1808. George D. Hunt-old historical books. Rev. A. W. Lytle -- brass medal, found at Johnstown flood, containing on one side picture of Washington and "Commander-in-Chief," and on reverse, "In Commemoration of Departure of Contin- ental Army, 1774" (only four of these medals are known to be in existence). William Steele -Sandy and Beaver canal seal. Alpheus Arter-the old haversack in which he car- ried the money to pay the workmen on the Sandy. and Beaver Canal.

THE SPEECHES.

It is regretted that Senator Hanna's fine address can not be reproduced in full, but the following extract will be read with interest. He said this celebration had revived many pleasant memories of the associations of his- early youth and renewed within him a strong desire to see and know more of old Columbiana County and Center township during the re- maining years of his life. He said the feeling that prompts one to return to his childhood home is one of the dearest and best impulses of the heart, and is kindred to the love of mother.

During all the years of his separation, the

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Senator said, he had watched with interest the growth and prosperity of Lisbon and Co- lumbiana County, and noticed that the county always responded to duty in war, or peace. This, the Senator said, was his second visit to Lisbon in 30 years, his previous visit in that time having been made about 10 years ago, and his only regret, he said, was that prosperity had eliminated some of the old landmarks that are dear to his memory. In speaking of the growth of the town, he made reference to the depression that followed the failure of the Sandy and Beaver, Canal. "A tremendous undertaking, but not too great for the spirit of enterprise of the people of Lisbon," and how the town recovered from the blow and con- tinues to prosper with a bright future before it. He spoke of the sturdy sentiment of right, justice and liberty, which animated the pio- neers who were the early settlers here, and told how these elements, contesting with every- thing antagonistic to them, had produced men who made their influence felt. In conclusion, he said it had been a great pleasure for him to stand before an audience from all parts of Columbiana County, and as. a greeting most sincerely wished his hearers prosperity and suc- cess. He spoke of the proud record achieved by many Lisbon families and of the stimulus it has been to all her sons and daughters to meet the duties of life bravely and well.

Gen. Anson G. McCook, member of the famous family of "Fighting McCooks," in his speech referred pathetically to the fact that he had come to Lisbon to see the present genera- tion and meet the comrades of his youth, prob- ably for the last time. Among the numerous interesting incidents he related, General Mc- Cook told of the reception here of the news of American triumph along the Rio Grande during the Mexican War. The news was car- ried to Wellsville by boat from Pittsburg, and from Wellsville to the county seat by carrier. That night, he said, the band came out and serenaded a number of citizens, among them his father, Dr. John McCook, who responded with a brief speech.

He also told of the Polydelphian Debating Society of New Lisbon, organized among the youth of the village, and of which both he and Senator Hanna were members. This society contributed in the course of time three general officers to the navy, several governors of States and Territories, two ministers of the Gospel and others prominent in the various walks of life. In conclusion General McCook said that he had known Senator Hanna both as man and boy, and said he was always "square," and that he believed there were many of his fellow- citizens, notwithstanding the action of the re- cent Ohio Republican convention, who think he would be a worthy successor to McKinley .. His utterances were loudly cheered.

John H. Clarke in his address gave a brill- iant and interesting sketch of the men who practiced at the Lisbon Bar. He said in part : "The hills hereabout do not seem so high ; the valleys do not seem so deep, nor the Little Beaver so great a stream as all these lie pic- tured in the memory of my. boyhood days. From time to time, at long intervals, I have returned to the old home and have corrected these impressions, but I am happy to say that in a few days, usually in a few hours of ab- sence, they all assume again the heroic propor- tions of my youthful years. I am sure I speak the experience of every person here today from a distant home, when I say that in my dreams, waking or sleeping, I find myself oftener among these hills and valleys and streams, than in any other place in all the world, be my travels extensive as they may. All this makes it delightful for us to come back upon this anniversary to the old scenes, and to the cordial welcome which is extended to us upon every hand today.

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History of Columbiana County, Ohio and representative citizens, Part 25

Author: McCord, William B., b. 1844 Publication date: 1905 Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : Biographical Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 912

Author: McCord, William B., b. 1844
Publication date: 1905
Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : Biographical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 912